Gasabo District Deputy Executive Administrator, Regis Mudaheranwa, has announced that the district has shut down more than 3,400 bars over the past year for selling substandard alcoholic beverages.
He made the announcement on August 5, 2026, as the Government of Rwanda intensifies its nationwide campaign to eliminate substandard alcoholic drinks and close factories producing them.
Speaking to Radio/TV1, Mudaheranwa said the closure of the bars has contributed to a 65% reduction in crime following measures introduced to tackle excessive alcohol abuse.
Authorities Cite High Number of Bars
He noted that the district had an excessive number of bars compared to other essential public services. As an example, he said the number of health facilities in the district is far lower than the number of drinking establishments.
According to him, Gasabo District has only 320 health centers, a figure equivalent to just one-tenth of the number of bars that previously operated in the district, highlighting how alcohol outlets had become more widespread than essential public services.
Data released by Gasabo District shows that, as of June 2026, bars accounted for the largest share of services accessed by residents, a trend authorities say contributed to widespread alcohol abuse.
Crime Falls Following Crackdown
“In Gasabo alone, we have closed 3,400 bars within one year. After implementing measures to address alcohol abuse, I can confidently say that crime has fallen by 65%,” Mudaheranwa said.
Nationwide Campaign Against Illegal Alcohol
The Government of Rwanda has pledged to eliminate substandard alcoholic beverages, and 136 factories producing fermented alcoholic drinks have so far been shut down.
The move is part of efforts to stop the production and distribution of illegal alcoholic beverages that have had serious consequences across the country. Over the past seven months, the drinks have reportedly claimed the lives of about 50 people, while around 100 others have suffered severe health complications, including blindness.
Police Continue Enforcement Operations
Meanwhile, the Rwanda National Police has launched operations to identify individuals who continue to sell substandard alcoholic beverages or violate the legally prescribed hours for alcohol sales.
